When we talk about Macedonians in ice hockey, the names of well-known players with Macedonian roots usually come to word. Ed Jovanovski, Steven Stamkos, Andy Andreoff, Steve Staios, and Mike Angelidis are arguably among the most prominent examples. However, the sport of ice hockey is shaped by more than just the players who take center stage on the ice. Beyond these big names, there are other individuals with Macedonian roots who have been deeply and passionately committed to the hockey sport for many years.
One of them is Stefan Velkoski, who has spent many years on the ice as a referee, experiencing German ice hockey from a very unique perspective. His career took him from regional leagues—including the Bayernliga—all the way to Germany’s top tier, the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL). There, he served as an official for many years, officiating numerous matches at the highest national level as well as in the Champions Hockey League (CHL).
New head of referees at German DEB
It is fair to say that Stefan Velkoski has reached now the pinnacle of German ice hockey—even off the ice. Effective immediately, he is taking on the role of head of officiating for the German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB). As the federation announced in a press release, his new position is officially titled “Director Officiating (external).”
Having officiated nearly 1,700 ice hockey games, Velkoski brings an impressive wealth of experience to his new role. In the process, he has not only gained valuable insight as an official but has also developed a profound understanding of the challenges and demands inherent in officiating. He is, therefore, ideally positioned to transition from making on-ice decisions himself to playing a key role in shaping the future development and direction of officiating in German ice hockey.
In his new role, Velkoski assumes overall responsibility for the officiating program of the German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB). He will oversee the 194 officials currently in the system, with their athletic development and advancement becoming a core part of his responsibilities.
However, his scope of activity extends well beyond organizational management. In addition to recruiting new referees, he is specifically responsible for strategic direction and the ongoing education and professional development of the officials. His remit also encompasses budget planning and the licensing of referees following the successful completion of training courses.
In this capacity, Velkoski plays a pivotal role in the long-term advancement of the German refereeing system, making a significant contribution to sustainably strengthening the quality and professionalism of officiating at all levels.
On the ice in Macedonia, too – as a player
The family roots of the 49-year-old, who holds a degree in mechanical engineering, lie in the Macedonian village of Žilče, near Tetovo. Through his consulting firm, VEL-CON, he is involved in the local community there—for instance, by supporting the local football team. He currently resides in Mühldorf am Inn, in Upper Bavaria, not far from Munich.
He first discovered his passion for ice hockey with the team “Kelten” (Celts) in Burgkirchen. He remained true to this passion even in Macedonia, where he took to the ice alongside local Macedonian players—including those from HK Vardar Skopje. Furthermore, in 2012, he competed as a national team player in the inline hockey World Championship qualifiers held in Bulgaria.
In the official press release from the DEB, Stefan Velkoski comments his new role within the German federation:
“I look forward to working with our referees. With this new setup, we have an experienced team in which everyone knows their responsibilities and can rely on one another. We intend to take the next steps—recruiting new officials, providing them with targeted training, and enhancing the quality of officiating on the ice—together: as a team, in collaboration with the leagues and clubs, and, above all, alongside those who are out on the ice week after week.”
The team at hockey.mk congratulates Stefan on his new position; we wish him great success and all the very best!
